Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to reimburse mental health rehabilitation services provided through clubhouse programs. Clubhouse programs are defined as non-residential, community-based programs accredited by Clubhouse International where members, with staff assistance, help operate the program while receiving support for emotional and behavioral challenges. These programs aim to help members transition to less restrictive care, reintegrate into the community, and build social connections beyond clinical settings. The bill specifically adds these services to Medicaid coverage, which currently does not include them, and references Shore House in Long Branch as New Jersey's only accredited clubhouse program serving over 3,500 members annually.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase retirement credit for time spent in military service academies (such as West Point or the Naval Academy), in the New Jersey State Police Academy, or as a class two special law enforcement officer before joining the police force. It amends existing law to permit purchasing credit for these specific service periods by paying into the retirement system's annuity savings fund, with options for installment payments over up to 10 years. The bill specifies that credit purchased for military academy enrollment, police academy training, or special law enforcement officer employment will be treated the same as actual police service for retirement benefit calculations. This applies to current and future SPRS members who want to count these pre-service periods toward their retirement eligibility and benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill would have New Jersey join the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing social workers licensed in New Jersey to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact establishes a system where social workers must meet specific requirements (including passing national exams, holding appropriate degrees, and completing supervised practice) to qualify for a multistate license. It creates a commission to manage the compact, handle data sharing among states, and address disciplinary actions. The compact aims to increase access to social work services, reduce duplicate licensing requirements, and support workforce mobility for social workers across member states. This would directly affect social workers seeking to practice in multiple states and the states' licensing authorities.
Maddy summaryBill A4163 requires health insurers in New Jersey to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence such as FDA approvals, drug labels, or clinical guidelines. The bill applies to all health insurance plans including individual, group, Medicaid, and health maintenance organization contracts. Insurers must provide coverage without causing unnecessary disruption (like multiple biopsies) and must make prior authorization decisions within 24 hours for urgent requests or 72 hours for non-urgent requests. This ensures patients can access precision medical testing that's clinically supported without excessive administrative barriers.
Maddy summaryS 3587 upgrades retail theft offenses in New Jersey, including elevating "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison. The bill creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales), which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. It establishes a retail theft unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, appropriating $1 million for this purpose. The bill also includes new requirements for gift card sales to prevent fraud, such as mandatory notices for retailers and packaging restrictions for both open- and closed-loop gift cards.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to create written policies allowing students to use sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing (like hats and sunglasses) outdoors during school and school events. It prohibits schools from demanding doctor’s notes for students to use these items and allows districts to require only parental permission for students to carry sunscreen. The policy must not mandate school staff to help students apply sunscreen. The law took effect in the first full school year after its passage in March 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new offense for "inciting a public brawl" when someone purposefully organizes four or more people to engage in disorderly conduct (like fighting or violent behavior) at a public event or gathering. It upgrades penalties for disrupting public gatherings: causing such a disturbance becomes a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine) instead of a lesser disorderly conduct charge. The bill also adds a separate offense for concealing one's identity during disorderly conduct to avoid arrest. These changes directly affect individuals who organize or incite group disturbances in public spaces like events, parks, or venues.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase retirement credit for specific prior service. It permits purchasing credit for time enrolled in military service academies (like West Point or Annapolis), time in the New Jersey State Police Academy, or employment as a "class two special law enforcement officer" before joining the police force. Members can pay for this credit through installments (at least half the normal contribution) over up to 10 years, with the credit counting equally toward retirement benefits as actual police service. The bill specifically requires that the break between such prior service and joining SPRS must be less than 365 days for the credit purchase to be eligible.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 3955 prohibits substance use disorder treatment providers - including licensed facilities and recovery residences - from using deceptive marketing practices. It requires all advertising materials to clearly state the types of services offered, service locations, and the provider’s name in plain language. The bill bans false claims about network status, misleading contact information, fake website redirects, implied relationships with other providers, and inaccurate descriptions of services. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $20,000 per offense, and affected individuals can sue for triple damages plus legal fees. The law aims to protect consumers from misleading advertising in the substance use treatment sector.
Maddy summaryS 3952 amends New Jersey law to strengthen penalties for improper payments related to patient referrals to substance use disorder treatment facilities, recovery residences (sober living homes), and clinical laboratories. It elevates violations from a fourth-degree to a third-degree crime, imposing an automatic $50,000 fine for anyone - including health care providers, facilities, non-profits, or recovery residences - who makes or receives payments tied to referrals based on patient volume, treatment duration, or insurance benefits. The bill explicitly clarifies that payments not varying by these factors remain permitted. This law takes effect immediately and directly affects entities involved in referring patients to substance use disorder treatment services.